Are You Ready To Transition Into A Vegetarian or Vegan Lifestyle?

Have you considered launching a life into vegetarianism? The percentage of vegetarians and vegans of men and women from all walks of life continues to increase worldwide, due to people becoming concerned about how the consumption of meat impacts their health, environment and the welfare of animals. If you're considering a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, then it's crucial that you have as much the right education and information. If so, then you should take the right steps to prepare yourself for a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Giving up meat (and possibly all animal-based products) won't necessarily be a walk in the park. However, the good news is that you can take some steps to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Below are key points to consider when starting a new diet (the elimination of meat):

1)   Think about all the benefits 

Being a vegetarian isn't necessarily "easy." However, it can certainly provide several benefits for you, including:

• Weight loss
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower high cholesterol
• Prevent diabetes
• Improve your GI track
• Improves your skin (look years younger)
• Prevent gallstones and constipation ( with a high fibre diet)
• Prevents heart attacks (lack of meat does not block or clogged arteries)
• Manage Menopause or Andropause
• Remove toxins
• Live longer
• Being a vegetarian or vegan improves the lives of animals

Being a vegetarian is also better for the environment, due to the amount of land that grazing cattle need. Giving up meat can certainly seem more logical if you think about how it will benefit you and the Earth.

2)      Have "cheat days" during the week

It is important to be realistic about your new diet change. It might be difficult for you to quit meat altogether .One method is to transition gradually into a vegetarian lifestyle, is by allowing yourself "cheat days." For example, if you refrain from eating meat during the weekdays, then you could reward yourself by eating meat on the weekends. In time, you could reduce your meat days to once a week and then zero days per week.

3)   Use vegetarian meat-substitutes (tweak certain vegetarian recipes to suit YOU)

If you have been a diehard meat eater your whole life then try adding meat substitutes (quorn, miso, seitan, and tempeh) in your favourite dishes that require meat. Some of these products taste so much like meat that you won't know the difference! As a word of caution, it's advisable to choose meat substitutes that are as natural as healthy as possible. However, choosing meat substitutes could actually be counterproductive if they contain various artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Read those ingredients! Choosing "non-meat" protein sources is one of the best ways to satisfy your cravings, while avoiding meat products at the same time. To ensure that you are getting your protein see a nutritionist for guidance.

4) Support the Vegetarian and vegan lifestyle with knowledge

There are many books and eBooks that can help you succeed with a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. A great course that is designed for people who are ready to become vegetarians or vegan is called The Vegetarian's Beginner's Guide 30 Day Course. This course is great for anyone seriously interested in transitioning into a vegetarian and it provides the information and education needed to thrive on a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet http://www.vegetariansbeginnersguide.com.

By Vegetarian’s Beginner’s Guide